From business meetings to cocktail events; birthday parties to weddings, the thought of what to wear tends to send us into a spiralling panic. For me the choice is obvious: black dress, black trousers, black blazer, black shoes. It’s become such a funeral-fest in my wardrobe that it’s kind of a standing joke if I do throw caution to the wind and wear colour.
So why am I such a commit-ophobe when it comes to colour? Or better still, why do I always choose black?
1. It hides a multitude of sins – black flatters all your best assets, and hides those you want to draw less attention to. Need to wear your Bridget Jones pants? Not a problem. In a LBD, no one will notice!
I’m wearing Bridget Jones’ pants 😉
2. It’s the best canvas colour for accessorising – whether it’s a pair of coloured stilettos with a black dress, signature clutch bag or statement jewellery, you really can transform any outfit.
3. It’s timeless – in every sense. Looking through my wardrobe; I have one Whistles dress, purchased back in 2008, and I still wear it to this day – jazzing it up with a fur stole, sequin shawl or freshwater pearls
This is the Whistles dress that I paid around AED 300 for, simply accessorised with a gold sequin shawl from River Island
4. It’s all in the way you wear it – As Gok Wan would say, “It’s all about the confidence!” You really don’t need to spend a lot on black coloured garments for an outfit to look fabulous. Be sure to get the right style and fit that compliments your body and top it off with killer hair and make up; boom – you’re sorted! Remember: no one really cares what you are wearing, it’s all about how you carry yourself…and your shoes and handbag, of course.
5. Invest in accessories – you might like the pink stilettos now, but I guarantee you’ll quickly tire of them and kick yourself when you find out they’ve gone on sale. My black YSL Tribute 105’s and clutch bag have been my ultimate saviour; without a doubt the best accessories investment I have ever committed to!
Top Tip: Avoid buying seasonal accessories, especially if you are looking mid season. If you have the will power, hold out for the sales to grab yourself a bargain. Instead, buy black or nude coloured accessories as investment pieces, they very rarely go on discount and more often than not only ever increase in price.
Besides, it’s all about building on your existing wardrobe. Investing in timeless pieces will ensure you have an outfit fit for any occasion. Seasons come and go, but black is here to stay!
Desartorialist 